2024-2025 FAFSA Available

The 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available. We encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible. Please continue to monitor your email for additional updates. Visit New York FAFSA Ready for additional resources.


 

First, take these steps to apply for financial aid:

 

Next, take these steps to ensure you'll receive financial aid:

 

Understand the Aid Programs

Understand federal financial aid programs: Determine whether you qualify for a Pell Grant, federal work-study, federal loans and/or other federal aid programs.

Understand New York State financial aid programs: Determine whether you qualify for the TAP, the Excelsior Scholarship, Aid for Part-Time Study, a DREAM Act award, and/or other state aid programs. Note: For New York State residents only. 

 

Secure the Aid You're Awarded

Complete the FAFSA Verification process: If you are selected for FAFSA Verification, you must submit new or corrected documentation to receive financial aid. 

Accept your awards: Accept, reduce or decline the financial aid you’ve been offered to ensure the aid appears on your student account. 

Secure your federal loans: Understand your options. Complete your entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) to ensure you receive your loan funds.

Finance your study abroad: Estimate your program costs. Determine which costs will be covered by financial aid.

 

Apply for Additional Aid

Apply for additional scholarships: Consider applying for the University at Albany Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships, as well as outside scholarships.

Apply for additional loans: Consider applying for a Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan or Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Learn about private student loans.

Apply for summer aid: Understand the prerequisites and other important considerations before applying.  

Request a cost of attendance increase: Increasing your estimated cost of attendance may allow you to access more financial aid, which you can use to pay for superior on-campus housing, a computer purchase, childcare and other educational expenses. 

Appeal for Special Circumstances or a Dependency Override: Request a review of your financial aid eligibility following an extenuating situation not reflected in your FAFSA. Request a review of your dependency status due to lack of parental support. 

 

Common Questions

Note: For information on financial aid for veterans and military-connected students, including the GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance, please visit the Office of Veteran and Military Student Services website.
 

Why am I being charged these fees? 

In accordance with State University of New York policy 7804 on Fees, Rentals and Other Charges, the University at Albany charges broad-based fees to all enrolled students to finance discrete activities that benefit the student body, excluding those activities that are part of the core instructional program.

Broad-Based Fees include but are not limited to: 

  • Comprehensive Service Fee (offering Health, Transportation and Technology Services) 

  • Recreation and Campus Life Fee (formerly the Student Recreation Fee) 

  • Intercollegiate Athletics Fee 

  • University Fee 

  • Academic Excellence Fee 

  • Career Services Fee

 Learn more about the campus services covered by student fees.

Why didn't I receive a financial aid award?

If you applied for financial aid but haven't received an award notification, or if you were awarded aid you don't see it reflected on your bill, please check the following:

  • Did you file the FAFSA for the correct aid year?

  • Did you list the UAlbany federal school code 002835 on your FAFSA application? 

  • Did the Office of Financial Aid send you an email or letter requesting information after you filed your FAFSA?

  • Do you have any "Important Notices" listed on MyUAlbany?

  • If your FAFSA was rejected or selected for verification, did you submit new or corrected documentation?

  • Have you accepted your awards?

  • Did you secure your federal loans by completing the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN)?

  • For current students continuing their studies, have you registered or pre-registered for at least six credits (undergraduates) or at least five credits (graduate students)?

  • Are you matriculated in a degree program?

  • Do you have an albany.edu email address listed on MyUAlbany? 

  • Does your email spam filter block emails from albany.edu addresses?

  • Do you have the correct permanent address listed for yourself on MyUAlbany? 

  • Did you receive a letter about your academic progress? 

  • For New York State residents:

Contact Student Financial Services at [email protected] or 518-442-3202 with any questions.